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I finally found the 03 I've been looking for. Appears to be all orignal with an excellent bore. The correct stock and handguard, barrel date of 4-18, serial number of 842XXX. It is a shooter. My question is this. THe barrel marking is SA 4-18 over a capital letter A. What does the A stand for?
Nice rifle, thanks for showing us. The meaning of the "A" on your barrel is un-known. On earlier rifles before WWI, the "A" meant that the barrel was found "acceptable" during a re-build.
HTH,
Emri
nice rifle..bolt looks to be an A3 bolt.
Yeah, I know the bolt is not original. Someone put a bolt in it that is marked BF 38. I believe that dates it to '42. However, the patina is the same, someone changed the safety at one time because it has the early style serifs on the writing. Plus I am really not sure about what bolts with straight handles were safe. Isn't there an issue with some of the those bolts? Anyway, it shoots just fine with this one, the rest of the rifle appears correct. I shoot cast loads only anyway. With my milder loads, I don't think I will ever have any problems or wear the barrel out.
whats the serial number range of the rifle?
Action serial number is 8424XX. According to what I have read, that is a safe number and the manufacture date is correct for 4-18. I am proud of the way this one shoots. It is almost as good as my Mark 1 with a WWII replacement HS barrel. I am pleased.
sweet...good score.. bolt should be fine....
Could one of you guys please explain again why the "A" lost it's meaning?
I think I remember JB saying some "original" rifles have been observed with the "A".
What about any "new" rifles with an "A"??
the A may have been used during a standard clean and safety check, and not during a rebuild..as well as a bare barrel that may have been checked as well.
Jason,Quote:
Originally Posted by JasonA
That's a great-looking rifle... I agree: Nice score!
I have one very similar, 35 thousand rifles & 1 month later. My barrel is correct for the serial number & is dated 5 - 18, with an "A" beneath.
Are there any stock markings?
-Bill
There are. However the rifle is at my house, I am trapped in my job today while the sun shines brightly outside. I will look it over when I get home and see. I know there is the usual p in a circle on the grip and the inspector cartouche on the left hand side. JFC I think. I will look.
I looked at my stock, but there is nothing but the circle P and the JFC in a box on the left side. My question is for Chuckindenver. How did you ascertain that the bolt in my rifle was an 03A3 bolt? What do you look for??? Just curious.....
the handle is a 1903A3 or replacement bolt. BF, ect. 1903 bolts have a smaller smoother handle..most people likely would know the difference.
Thanks Chuckindenver. I appreciate the info. I'm still learning. Would anyone mind posting a picture of an early 1903 bolt beside a late 03A3 bolt for me??? I would appreciate that. I loaded a little ammo last night for my rifle. Hope to take it for another test drive this weekend. I have found that 17.5 gr. of 2400 behind a SAECO 315 HP with gas check is a very accurate load that is a joy to shoot. Thanks for everyone that have answered my questions.
Thanks again. I have looked at this site many times but never noticed the subtle differences in bolt handles. You learn something new everyday. BTW, Chuckindenver, I traded you a scope for an artillery piece for a few Mark 1 parts a few years ago and I am still waiting for a picture of it mounted. If you get time. Hope your day goes well.
i do recall. im gearing up to be moving soon, so all my personal stuff is packed away, still a few months away from the move, but with as much crap as i have,..i figured id get a jump on it.